21 Centrale Partners is set to acquire Impact, the leading French independent player in operational marketing, alongside the company’s three founding partners, François Crépin, Rémi Gammal and François Lévèque, with the objective to accelerate growth.
With sales of over EUR50 million and average annual growth of over 20 per cent, Impact operates three main activities: sales force outsourcing, commercial animation in retail distribution and merchandising for large corporate clients.
Impact provides high value-added marketing and sales services in a field supported by an increasing trend of companies expanding their commercial initiatives to support growth amidst a multiplication of distribution channels. Thanks to its qualified experts, Impact enables clients – large international corporate accounts – to improve their efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness while at the same time benefitting from the most recent developments and expertise in the field, notably the utilisation of digital tools and innovations.
Jacques Rossignol (pictured), Managing Partner and Fabrice Voituron, Principal, with 21 Centrale Partners, says: “We aim to turn a new page in the development of Impact, through the creation of a platform for consolidation in France and in Europe. The current rate of sales force outsourcing in France offers promising perspectives for growth, given the increasing need for efficiency in sales for corporations.”
Crépin, Gammal and Lévèque, Founding Partners of Impact, add: “We are delighted to enter the next phase of our history with 21 Centrale Partners by our side. With their expertise in external growth, 21 Centrale Partners is perfectly placed to accompany us in our ambitions for diversification and growth in France as in Europe.”
Gérard Pluvinet, Founding Managing Partner with 21 Centrale Partners, says: “Impact completes the investment program of our fourth fund, which has built a solid and balanced portfolio already realizing two exits and a dividend recapitalisation. We are now focused on preparing selective acquisitions for portfolio companies and new investment opportunities for 21 Centrale Partners V.”
